Daily Norseman - 2019 NFL Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit LionsThe Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2019-10-24T14:29:16-05:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/206823012019-10-24T14:29:16-05:002019-10-24T14:29:16-05:00Dalvin Cook Wins Ground Player of the Week (Again)
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wlO61ElhIHvrDlrWcnN0YocjdFM=/0x0:3353x2235/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65548039/1177301315.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another week, another award.</p> <p id="5sV238"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> is the NFL’s leading rusher through seven weeks. He’s also hauling in awards at a pretty impressive clip, and we aren’t even halfway through the season yet.</p>
<p id="Wn1URC"><span>Cook</span> won the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week for Week 7. Cook rushed for a league-leading 142 yards on 25 attempts for a 5.7 yard average and a pair of touchdowns in the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ win over the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. This is Cook’s second win of the season and he is the only running back to win the award multiple times this year.</p>
<p id="FXn9pB">This was already the fourth time in seven weeks that Cook was nominated for the award. He was nominated Week 1 showing against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>, but lost to <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a>. He lost to <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> in Week 3 after his 110 yard performance against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. His other win was in Week 2 for his performance against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> in a losing effort.</p>
<p id="jK6pF1"><span>Kirk Cousins</span> was nominated for Air Player of the Week for the second straight time, but he couldn’t win his second straight award. Some no-namer from Green Bay beat him out in Week 7.</p>
<p id="4pKtKw">Congratulations to <span>Dalvin Cook</span> for another well-earned award. Perhaps Cook can get his fifth nomination and third win of the season for his performance against Washington tonight. I certainly wouldn’t bet against it.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/24/20930914/minnesota-vikings-dalvin-cook-ground-player-of-the-week-week-7-detroit-lionsEric Thompson2019-10-21T16:05:56-05:002019-10-21T16:05:56-05:00Vikings at Lions Week 7: Five Game-Changing Plays
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U3Y65wLJiWav8CfoY8kKNoC5cTA=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65520212/1177223931.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Looking back at the most important plays from the 42-30 win over Detroit.</p> <p id="yZ4DJn">After the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ offensive explosion in Week 6 against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, few expected a repeat performance on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. Even fewer expected a full-on shootout to break out at Ford Field, but that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. The Vikings and Lions combined for 72 points and 936 total yards of offense as the teams traded touchdown drives for much of the day.</p>
<p id="euQq66">Since the humbling loss in Chicago three weeks ago, the Vikings offense has been irrepressible. <span>Kirk Cousins</span> is playing quarterback like he had just hit three straight three-pointers in <em>NBA Jam</em>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> continues to make extra rushing yards appear out of thin air. The offensive line has been—<em>gasp</em>—pretty good. They’re averaging 480 yards and 36 points per game during their current three-game winning streak.</p>
<p id="bzPc2O">Unfortunately, they needed every bit of that offensive efficiency against the Lions. Matthew Stafford threw for 364 yards and four scores of his own. All four touchdowns were to <span>Marvin Jones Jr.</span>, who apparently becomes Jerry Rice every time he faces the Vikings. Minnesota’s secondary had their worst game of the season, repeatedly affording Jones and <span>Danny Amendola</span> lots of room to operate. It was a puzzling anomaly in what has otherwise been a solid season for Zimmer’s charges. Thankfully, <span>Eric Kendricks</span> is still playing like the best linebacker in the NFL while <span>Danielle Hunter</span> and <span>Everson Griffen</span> finally got to Stafford late. The Vikings now have their first division win of the 2019 season and are 5-2 heading into a very winnable home game against Washington on Thursday night. Let’s take our weekly journey through the five biggest plays that got us there.</p>
<h3 id="PCSo2u">Play 1: Lions ball, 3rd & 8 at the Minnesota 37. First quarter, 12:48 remaining. (Shotgun) M.Stafford sacked at MIN 45 for -8 yards (Mac.<span>Alexander</span>). FUMBLES (Mac.Alexander) [Mac.Alexander], recovered by DET-J.<span>James</span> at MIN 34. J.James to MIN 34 for no gain (H.Smith). Minnesota challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) M.Stafford pass incomplete short right to J.James [Mac.Alexander].</h3>
<p id="rf1Vvh">Whew. A lot to unpack with this one. Our first important play stems from what <em>didn’t</em> happen.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VE2u-6JPZtQNngx4W5axtE2fErs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307042/Alexander_hits_Stafford_incomplete_Lions_2019_Week_6.gif">
</figure>
<p id="ecVjhD">The Lions were in field goal range on the opening drive of the game and faced third down. <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> came on a corner blitz and hit Stafford while he was throwing, causing the ball to fall forward. <span>Jesse James</span> recovered what was originally called a fumble, giving the Lions 4th & 4 at the Minnesota 34.</p>
<p id="WYMSc1">You don’t often see a team challenging a play to say the opposing quarterback <em>didn’t</em> fumble, but that’s just what Mike Zimmer astutely did in this situation. The Lions gained four yards on the fumble; by challenging that it was actually an incomplete pass, the <span>Matt Prater</span> field goal attempt would be four yards longer. The ball was still in Stafford’s hand as his arm went forward, so the play was reversed.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xlcYZZJJ8AOb2uJrAVtpIQhQYmI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307078/Alexander_hits_Stafford_incomplete_Lions_2019_Week_6_2.gif">
</figure>
<p id="5s1GHa">Of course, <span>Prater</span> is still an awesome kicker, especially indoors, so there’s a decent chance that he still would have connected from 56 yards. Except the Lions had a false start penalty on the attempt, pushing them out of field goal range and forcing a punt. In what turned out to be a high scoring affair, it was nice to take potential points off of the board early.</p>
<h3 id="lziePA">Play 2: Vikings ball, 2nd & 7 at the Detroit 25. First quarter, 5:23 remaining. K.<span>Cousins</span> pass deep left to A.<span>Thielen</span> for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIN-A.<span>Thielen</span> was injured during the play. He is Out.</h3>
<p id="CaN910">The Lions had struck first on their second drive of the game, so the Vikings needed an answer. They got it in a hurry. After an amazing <span>Dalvin Cook</span> run where he turned a <span>Tracy Walker</span> tackle for loss into a 15 yard gain...</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KGJvtFmIa0twJBDqbFRIOTTgduc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307178/Cook_15_yards_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="7AJ5Ls">...and a 28 yard play action pass to Irv Smith Jr. where Cousins had all the time in the world to throw...</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CFQeBVxEJ9Kg-gPhkO0Psjt7vVE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307214/Cousins_to_Smith_28_yards_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="B3CWIO">...the Vikings went to play action again. It worked again for their first score of the game.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VX4Bl_mqzDOT9BARxsEIqg16bDY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307199/Cousins_to_Thielen_25_yard_TD_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="rmv6VP"><span>Damon Harrison Sr.</span> bit so hard on the play action that he tackled <span>Alexander Mattison</span>, giving Cousins time to find <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> with a great throw in the back of the end zone. Thielen did his usual toe-tapping magic to stay in bounds. While the play itself had the perfect result, Thielen injured his hamstring and didn’t return to the game. Other pass catchers were going to have to pick up the slack, which they most certainly did. <span>Kyle Rudolph</span>, Smith, and <span>Olabisi Johnson</span> combined for 14 catches, 158 yards, and two touchdowns. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> threw in a few yards of his own as well—more on that later.</p>
<p id="Piffnx">The Vikings and Lions spent the rest of the first half trading scores. After Thielen’s grab, Jones notched his second touchdown of the day to give Detroit a 14-7 lead. Minnesota answered back with two long scoring drives on either side of a Lions three-and-out for their first lead of the game and the first lead change of their entire season. The Lions managed to tie the game at 21-21 just before the half after an incredibly sloppy sequence by the Vikings defense. It was becoming apparent that the Minnesota offense was going to have to carry the day. That’s exactly what they did with the opening drive of the second half.</p>
<h3 id="Xa2KgC">Play 3: Vikings ball, 2nd & goal at the Detroit 5. Third quarter, 9:08 remaining. K.Cousins pass short left to C.<span>Ham</span> for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.</h3>
<p id="veRyzT">The Vikings marched down the field with an impressive 75-yard drive that featured five runs, seven passes, and took almost six minutes off the clock. It was punctuated by this nifty touchdown pass to <span>C.J. Ham</span>.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k1DnzecXv6BYI7L_7xf4L15eyJQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307283/Cousins_to_Ham_5_yard_TD_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="vbOOfJ">If the play looked a bit familiar, it should have. The Vikings ran the same basic concept for their second touchdown of the game. Play action right to <span>Cook</span>, pass left to the receiver running across the formation behind the line of scrimmage. On this play, Kevin Stefanski had Ham running a pattern behind the line of scrimmage and <span>Diggs</span> running a high/low concept in the end zone. On their second quarter touchdown, it was Johnson who got the catch on the same route while <span>Rudolph</span> pulled defenders to the back of the end zone.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4zZjtt1mNFs9W54R0bnbCrGOZag=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307308/Cousins_to_Johnson_1_yard_TD_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="2NcdXv">Running the same style of play with different personnel is an excellent way to catch opposing defenses off guard on a play you have already had success with. Once again, Stefanski had an excellent plan of attack and called all the right shots with his offense. While Cousins, his pass catchers, and a much improved offensive line all deserve credit, they wouldn’t be operating at such a high level without Stefanski pushing the right buttons at the right time.</p>
<p id="3VOQ8S">The Vikings had the lead once again, but it was very precarious. After the Ham touchdown, the two teams traded punts before the Lions had a long drive that ended in a field goal late in the third quarter. It looked like the Vikings were going to take control for good on their next drive, but a dropped touchdown pass by <span>Diggs</span> followed by <span>Dan Bailey</span> missing a field goal negated that opportunity. The Lions were down only four points with the ball near the midpoint of the fourth.</p>
<h3 id="2BNWMF">Play 4: Lions ball, 4th & 2 at the Minnesota 41. Fourth quarter, 8:58 remaining. M.Stafford pass incomplete short left to J.McKissic (E.<span>Kendricks</span>).</h3>
<p id="TxsXE9">An offensive pass interference penalty and an <span>Everson Griffen</span> sack had the Lions facing 3rd & 23 in their own end of the field. But after a yes-this-still-happens-once-almost-every-game encroachment penalty from Griffen and a 16 yard pass to Amendola, Detroit was going for it on 4th & short in Vikings territory.</p>
<p id="0YmW7c">Good thing <span>Kendricks</span> has a black belt in pass breakups.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IeO8oriG3xtJwUEVVosAkpn7va0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307375/Kendricks_breaks_up_pass_from_Stafford_to_McKissic_4th_down_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="AIqFVf">The Vikings defense brilliantly diagnosed the play action. <span>Mike Hughes</span> made sure fullback <span>Nick Bawden</span> wasn’t able to get free over the top. <span>Eric Wilson</span> prevented any possibility of a Stafford scramble and forced <span>J.D. McKissic</span> inside, where Kendricks was waiting to get a hand on the pass. It wasn’t the defense’s best day by any stretch of the imagination, but they certainly stepped up in a big moment here. Six plays later, the Vikings offense came through again with a touchdown pass to Rudolph. The Vikings had their biggest lead of the game with only 5:40 remaining, and they could seemingly coast to another comfortable victory.</p>
<p id="IsU5SQ">The Lions had other plans though. They quickly struck back in just over two and a half minutes, with Jones tacking on a fourth touchdown to his career day. The two-point conversion failed, but it remained a one-score game. With just over three minutes remaining, Detroit had all three of their timeouts and the Ford Field crowd in a frenzy. If their defense could make a stop, Stafford would have plenty of time to lead a possible game-winning drive.</p>
<h3 id="kuRz6y">Play 5: Vikings ball, 2nd & 5 at the Minnesota 30. Fourth quarter, 3:00 remaining. K.Cousins pass deep right to S.Diggs to DET 4 for 66 yards (T.<span>Wilson</span>).</h3>
<p id="rVVeY2">On first down, the Vikings predictably handed the ball to Cook.</p>
<p id="2tRVzQ">Detroit took their first timeout.</p>
<p id="wQvtpE">On second down, the Vikings lined up with three tight ends and one wide receiver in a heavy formation. Give it to Cook again and make them burn their second timeout, right?</p>
<p id="fENRtF">Think again.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XJTtwNsGUt5mxCOWh5gfjf2765M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19307485/Cousins_to_Diggs_66_yards_Lions_2019_Week_7.gif">
</figure>
<p id="CAAKfa">Fortune favors the bold! The Vikings went for the jugular and got it in the form of a 66-yard catch and run from Cousins to Diggs. Two plays later, Cook punched it in for his second touchdown. Game, set, match. A nifty <span>Trae Waynes</span> interception stopped the last-gasp drive by the Lions. A few (rather feisty) victory formation snaps finished off the Vikings’ third straight win.</p>
<p id="ALuEtn">As always, we welcome you to vote in the poll to tell us which play you thought was the biggest and encourage you to suggest any we may have missed in the comments.</p>
<div id="NAwEOb"><div data-anthem-component="poll:8907357"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/21/20925171/minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-recap-week-7-five-game-changing-playsEric Thompson2019-10-21T15:56:37-05:002019-10-21T15:56:37-05:00Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook Carry Vikings Past Lions: Game Notes
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v&nbsp;Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J0V3CHWXtmenpBvHqrNOPtMB21I=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65520116/1182313837.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="oMM53P">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> offense was called upon to fuel a road victory in the Motor City, and it hit on all cylinders en route to a 42-30 victory on a day the Vikings defensive secondary struggled most of the day.</p>
<h3 id="MkFg5k">Offense Hitting on All Cylinders</h3>
<p id="silP3P">The Vikings offense had 166 yards rushing and 337 yards passing for 503 total yards- and 42 points. Both season highs. <span>Kirk Cousins</span> went 24/34 for 337 yards, 4TDs, and a 141.4 passer rating.</p>
<p id="oyOzeW"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> had 25 carries for 142 yards - a 5.7 yard average- and 2 TDs.</p>
<p id="HlkxvF">The Vikings top receiver <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> went down after an excellent TD throw and catch with a hamstring injury in the first half. No matter. The Vikings had no shortage of receivers getting open and making catches, including <span>Thielen</span>’s rookie replacement <span>Olabisi Johnson</span>, who filled in nicely with 4 catches for 40 yards. </p>
<p id="gKtAm6"><span>Stefon Diggs</span> led all receivers with 7 catches for 142 yards, but dropped another excellent would-be TD throw. Cousins spread the ball around, allowing a couple TEs - <span>Irv Smith Jr.</span> and <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> - to each have five receptions for 60 and 58 yards respectively.</p>
<p id="q6cEmJ">With all the skill position players putting up big stats, it’s easy to look past where it all started: a strong performance from the Vikings offensive line.</p>
<h3 id="0mRNRR">Offensive Line Continues to Improve</h3>
<p id="FtvT2j">The Vikings offensive line did not allow a sack all game. At least as important, they gave <span>Kirk Cousins</span> a clean pocket much of the afternoon. At the same time, they did a good job opening some creases for <span>Dalvin Cook</span> to exploit. </p>
<p id="2LZiGK">On the day, the offensive line was responsible for just 8 pressures (1 QB hit and 7 hurries), while <span>Tyler Conklin</span> was responsible for a hit and hurry as well. But all tolled, Kirk Cousins was pressured on just 10 of his 34 drop backs, or 29.4% of the total. That’s down from 50% week 4 against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>, and has been about the same (or better) the past three weeks in which Cousins has turned in historic passing numbers. </p>
<p id="CyrxAg">Cousins’ improvement can be tied directly to his being less pressured on his drop backs. Here is a quick season summary, with % of drop backs under pressure, followed by passer rating:</p>
<p id="5R2IjG">W1 - <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>: 36.3% | 140.8 (only 10 drop backs)</p>
<p id="xbV53y">W2 - <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>: 62.9% | 53.3</p>
<p id="UCjz7T">W3 - <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>: 26.1% | 112.0</p>
<p id="BQB87q">W4 - Bears: 50.0% | 91.6</p>
<p id="ISWpvD">W5 - <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>: 19.4% | 138.6</p>
<p id="G91Qye">W6 - <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>: 29.0% | 138.4</p>
<p id="QkIU84">W7 - <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>: 29.4% | 141.4</p>
<p id="w2ULeI">We all want to lionize quarterbacks for their skill in delivering wins for their team, but the truth is they can’t do it if they’re under pressure 40% of the time or more. The perennial top QBs in the league like <span>Tom Brady</span>, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838560/patrick-mahomes-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Patrick Mahomes</a>, and <span>Drew Brees</span> are all under pressure less than 30% of their drop backs. And when Cousins enjoys that level of protection, guess what - his play rises to their level. See below. </p>
<p id="6oaobv">Moreover, as the season progresses the Vikings offense line has improved as far as avoiding the more egregious snap losses, and doing a better job of giving the skill guys a chance to make plays. After all, if this offensive line has both the highest passer rating QB, and the league’s leading rusher, it couldn’t be that bad, right? </p>
<p id="z0jgxo">In fact, with those stats behind it, the Vikings offensive line may be going from underperforming, to underrated. Detroit has a number of very good defensive linemen, from <span>Trey Flowers</span> to Snacks Harrison to <span>A’Shawn Robinson</span>. They were all kept at bay Sunday afternoon, combining for just five tackles and one assist. </p>
<h3 id="fTKXei">Defense Doesn’t Get It Done</h3>
<p id="scaafU">As well as the Vikings offense played, this was probably the worst outing of the season for the Vikings defense. The defense gave up 433 net yards, including 364 passing yards, and 30 points - the most allowed this season.</p>
<p id="WLLDJH">The Vikings secondary was victimized early and often by the Lions offense, and also allowed the Lions to go a perfect 4 of 4 in the red zone, which is emerging as something of a weak spot for the Vikings defense. Particularly against division rivals. The Lions and Packers are a combined 7/7 in the red zone against the Vikings. Only the poor Bears offense is 1 for 4 in the red zone against the Vikings. Definitely an area for improvement.</p>
<p id="1ubLZQ">The Vikings defensive secondary struggled in coverage much of the day, failing to break-up contested catches and allowing the occasional wide open receiver to gouge them. The Vikings DBs clearly had trouble with the bigger Lions receivers, and in addition to the receiving yardage, had a number of penalties in coverage as well.</p>
<p id="3HJFLR">Mike Zimmer took the blame for not dialing up the right coverages, but that was only part of the problem. The Vikings DBs need to do better in contested ball situations, while the Vikings pass rush could have done a better job getting to Stafford. </p>
<p id="ZZ1lKP">As has been the case in the past when the Vikings defense hasn’t done as well, Zimmer wasn’t as aggressive in his play calls. Too much soft and/or zone coverage, combined with not bringing enough pressure, gave Stafford and the Lions offense too many opportunities to make plays. And they did.</p>
<h3 id="3TQDVB">PFF Individual Grades</h3>
<p id="hY5Uww"><span>Adam Thielen</span> and Kirk Cousins led the offense with elite grades - 92.6 and 92.4 respectively. They were followed by <span>Kyle Rudolph</span>, <span>Dalvin Cook</span>, CJ Ham, <span>Stefon Diggs</span>, and Olabisi Johnson.</p>
<p id="ERlhW5">Defensively, <span>Eric Kendricks</span> led the way again with an elite 90.2 grade. He was followed by <span>Eric Wilson</span>, <span>Everson Griffen</span>, <span>Linval Joseph</span>. </p>
<p id="0HMVBc">On the bottom end defensively, it should be a surprise that all the defensive backs were on the bottom half of the list. </p>
<h3 id="yE7hv5">Cook and Cousins Cream of the Crop</h3>
<p id="PBCk3q">Heading into Sunday night football, the Minnesota Vikings are owners of a couple top skill position players on the season.</p>
<p id="wySuZJ">First, Dalvin Cook leads the league in rushing yards, with 725. He’s also best among the top contenders with a 5.5 yards per carry average. </p>
<p id="duHWqN">Second, $84 million Kirk Cousins has the highest passer rating (114.3) in the NFL among QBs with more than a handful of passing attempts. That means his passer rating is higher than Russell <span>Wilson</span> (114.1) <span>Patrick Mahomes</span> (113.1), <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> (103.7), and Tom Brady (97.5). All those QBs, with the exception of Cousins, have been mentioned as possible MVP candidates.</p>
<p id="Di2kKV">And while the Vikings have been near the bottom of the league in passing attempts, they lead the league in yards per passing attempt, at 9.1. That pairs nicely with the Vikings 4th ranked yards per rush attempt (5.0), giving them the 3rd ranked offense in yards per play overall.</p>
<h3 id="8CI3x0">Vikings Proving To Be Among the Most Versatile, Balanced, Formidable</h3>
<p id="vSAzOs">The Vikings offense is currently 6th in both yards and points. Moreover, it is best in yards per passing attempt and 4th in yards per rush attempt. It has won games with a strong rushing game, and others with a strong passing game. And also with a balanced attack. </p>
<p id="O7V5hJ">The Vikings defense is currently 6th in points allowed, and 5th in yards allowed, which keeps the Vikings in every game. And gives the offense the chance to win.</p>
<p id="1qK2hT">All this suggests that the Vikings are succeeding in what the coaching staff talked so much about during the off-season: playing complimentary football. </p>
<p id="uDSNMJ">They are also the 2nd highest graded team in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.</p>
<p id="FFhdaU">That combination, combined with better game plans from the coaching staff, have allowed the Vikings to start stacking wins since the season nadir at Chicago, moving from 2-2 to 5-2, and drawing more comparisons to the 2017 Vikings in the process. </p>
<p id="bfYglU">But there is no shortage of pretty formidable teams in the NFC at the moment. The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>, and despite their loss to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>, the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> are all looking pretty tough. The Packers are playing well too, but a closer look suggests their record is better than their performance relative to other contenders. But it may well be the Packers re-match at US Bank stadium before Christmas that proves decisive in the division race..</p>
<p id="7PpUJ3">But next up are the 1-6 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, who travel to US Bank stadium on a short week. It’s a Thursday night prime time matchup which includes the return of former Vikings Case Keenum and <span>Adrian Peterson</span> to Minnesota. </p>
<h3 id="WkItIO">Official NFL Game Summary</h3>
<p id="Uv0m1k"><a href="https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57996/DET_Gamebook.pdf">The official NFL game summary is available here.</a></p>
<div id="pgL2Vy"><div data-anthem-component="poll:8907002"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/21/20924108/kirk-cousins-dalvin-cook-carry-minnesota-vikings-past-detroit-lions-game-notesWarren Ludford2019-10-21T15:53:38-05:002019-10-21T15:53:38-05:00Minnesota Vikings Game Ball: Week 7
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wTGCCrQtK3dzerS8DEr1-dzijnI=/0x0:1668x1112/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65520081/usa_today_13545859.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A lot of the usual suspects again this week</p> <p id="hG2x2D">With a compressed week ahead of us, we need to get some of the usual business out of the way a bit earlier than we usually might, and that means we’re already taking a look at who should get the Week 7 Game Ball for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> after their 42-30 triumph over the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> at Ford Field.</p>
<p id="xVh7BO">You’re going to see a lot of the usual suspects on the list this week, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. We’ve given out five game balls so far this year. . .remember, we skipped Week 4 because the whole team was awful. . .and they’ve only been distributed between three players: <span>Anthony Harris</span> (Week 1), <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> (Weeks 2 and 3), and <span>Kirk Cousins</span> (Weeks 5 and 6). Will someone else break through this week? Will Cook or Cousins make it a trifecta? That’s up to you folks.</p>
<p id="hd1lZg">Let’s go!</p>
<p id="YSbVtT"><span><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></span><strong>, RB</strong> - In what’s starting to become routine for Cook, he had another huge performance, racking up 142 yards and two scores on 25 carries. He’s racking up the yardage, that’s for sure, but I’ll echo what I’ve seen a lot of people say on social media over the past couple of days and say that there might not be a running back in the NFL that’s better at making something out of nothing than <span>Dalvin Cook</span>. How many carries do we see where it looks like he should be stopped in the backfield and, the next thing you know, he’s picked up 12 yards? It seems to happen a couple of times a game. We said all offseason that a healthy Dalvin Cook is a difference-maker, and that’s been the case through the first seven weeks.</p>
<p id="rjHlRs"><span><strong>Kirk Cousins</strong></span><strong>, QB</strong> - For the third week in a row, Cousins played his best game of the season, and his level of play didn’t drop off when he lost his #1 (or #2. . .what a nice luxury to have) receiver after he caught just one (spectacular) pass. After <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> went out, sure <span>Stefon Diggs</span> had a big game. . .we’ll get to him shortly. . .but Cousins really spread the ball around. It was <span>C.J. Ham</span>, it was <span>Olabisi Johnson</span>, it was <span>Irv Smith Jr.</span>, it was <span>Kyle Rudolph</span>, and it was 42 points on the road against a division opponent when it was all said and done. Yeah, Cousins is still going to continue to have his skeptics, but he’s been outstanding over the past three weeks.</p>
<p id="wcqBEK"><span><strong>Stefon Diggs</strong></span><strong>, WR</strong> - Ted said it in the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20923536/stock-market-report-lions">Stock Market Report</a>: <span>Stefon Diggs</span> saved the Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 season. Whatever it was that he did or didn’t do, whatever was said or wasn’t said, after Diggs missed that practice after the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> game, something has changed with this team. Cousins has turned it loose, and Diggs has been the biggest beneficiary. He didn’t get into the end zone in this game, but he did have seven catches for 166 yards and had what might have been the play of the game when he took the ball to the Detroit 4-yard line just before the two-minute warning, setting up Cook’s second score and icing the game for the Vikings.</p>
<p id="HhHMTD"><span><strong>Eric Kendricks</strong></span><strong>, LB</strong> - It wasn’t a banner day for the Vikings’ defense on Sunday by any stretch. Despite that, <span>Kendricks</span> continues to stand out. Once again, Kendricks was <em>everywhere</em> on Sunday, as the stat sheet has him down with a combined 12 tackles, and he also contributed a huge pass breakup on a fourth-and-short when the Vikings were clinging to a four-point lead after <span>Dan Bailey</span>’s missed field goal. I don’t know exactly how many linebackers in the National Football League are having a better 2019 season than <span>Eric Kendricks</span>. I <em>am</em> relatively sure that I wouldn’t need all of the fingers on one hand to count them all.</p>
<p id="PI4l5A">So, who do you have this week, folks?</p>
<ul>
<li id="Lc7Amr">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/9/20858082/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-1-atlanta-falcons"><strong>Week 1</strong></a> - <span><strong>Anthony Harris</strong></span>, S</li>
<li id="F0hnen">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/17/20871538/dalvin-cook-minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-2"><strong>Week 2</strong></a> - <span><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></span>, RB</li>
<li id="RUzZlj">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/25/20884710/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-3"><strong>Week 3</strong></a> - <span><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></span>, RB</li>
<li id="41qMjZ">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/2/20895834/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-4"><strong>Week 4</strong></a> - Nobody (because everyone was awful)</li>
<li id="3V7Dcb">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/8/20905196/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-5"><strong>Week 5</strong></a> - <span><strong>Kirk Cousins</strong></span>, QB</li>
<li id="SUxurm">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/16/20918238/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-6-kirk-cousins-stefon-diggs-everson-griffen-eric-kendricks"><strong>Week 6</strong></a> - Kirk Cousins, QB</li>
</ul>
<div id="L6LFRd"><div data-anthem-component="poll:8907365"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/21/20925730/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-7Christopher Gates2019-10-20T22:20:17-05:002019-10-20T22:20:17-05:00Stock Market Report: Lions
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_XsOi4tgBUGIXI_VGFQQZJw1GOk=/0x0:1839x1226/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65513772/usa_today_13545857.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dagger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LOL holy crap that was fun</p> <p id="zaLix4">So we’ve talked about the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> first four games, where they were 2-2 and kind of foundering. We then discussed the next two wins, 28-10 and 38-20 victories, respectively, and there was a lot to like in those two games. And through it all we were wondering just what kind of team the Vikings have. After today, I’ve decided that it really doesn’t matter what people are going to say. People who like the Vikings will think they have turned a corner, and people who don’t like them will say they still haven’t beaten anyone, and they will continue to move the goalposts until they feel they can win their argument.</p>
<p id="fXstnr">As for me, I’m going to enjoy this win for what it was—a tough road win against a division opponent in a league where wins are hard to come by. I’m going to worry about the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> tomorrow, and the rest of the schedule as it comes. But for now..Right Now, I’m just going to enjoy this game. Aren’t we, Mr. Van Hagar? </p>
<div id="xRhLeg"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rMV-fenGP1g?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="j9SUVj"><em>Right now, hey</em></p>
<p id="NXbTb5"><em>It’s your tomorrow</em></p>
<p id="st2gAR"><em>Right now, c’mon, it’s everything</em></p>
<p id="EHzBYj"><em>Right now, Catch that magic moment, do it</em></p>
<p id="s0b8nc"><em>Right here and now</em></p>
<p id="sczxpa"><em>It means everything</em></p>
<p id="qDnbH9">The SMR that is still alive to win the division follows.</p>
<h3 id="ZJGGma">He’s So Good It’s like Martha Stewart Insider Trading</h3>
<p id="dBh0X7"><span><em><strong>Eric Kendricks</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB:</strong></em> <span>Kendricks</span> continues to shine, and has invented our new ‘insider trading’ category, because guys that play this well are too good to be true. On a day when the secondary struggled, <span>Kendricks</span> was one of the few bright spots on the defensive side of the ball. He was in on 12 tackles, broke up two passes physically, and on the one Marin Jones, Jr. drop in the end zone, he broke that up with pure psychic powers. What’s that? You don’t believe me? Prove me wrong, hater of change and new age ideas. </p>
<p id="JsbteO"><span><em><strong>Kirk Cousins</strong></em></span><em><strong>, QB:</strong></em> It’s safe to say <span>Kirk Cousins</span> is playing at a level few have ever played the quarterback position right now. How well is he doing?</p>
<div id="AFqYUb">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk Cousins, last 3 weeks:<br><br>976 yards<br>10 TD<br>1 INT</p>— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/1186013648428257280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="hlhsYx">Oh, that’s pretty good. In three straight weeks he’s thrown for over 300 yards and a passer rating of over 135. But how good is that REALLLLLY?</p>
<div id="U6jBtr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You Like That? Kirk Cousins, who passed for 306 yards with a 138.6 passer rating in Week 5 & had 333 passing yds and a 138.4 rating in Week 6, is the 1st quarterback to record at least 300 passing yards & a passer rating of 135 or higher in three consecutive games in NFL history.</p>— VikeFans (@VikeFans) <a href="https://twitter.com/VikeFans/status/1186077967581155328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="rPvGeR">Yeah, that’s right. <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20924118/kirk-cousins-makes-nfl-history-minnesota-vikings-passer-rating-300-yards">NO ONE IN NFL HISTORY</a> has done what Kirk Cousins has done the last three weeks. Look, a month ago damn near EVERYONE wanted to trade or cut him and today he is a darkhorse MVP candidate. That may piss you off to read if you’re still in love with <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span>, or that may make you laugh because you still carry a torch for <span>Case Keenum</span>, but deep down, I’m right. And you know I’m right, and your only response is about to be...</p>
<p id="cKSzTP"> BUT RAWR RAWR WHO HAS HE DONE THAT AGAINST RAWR RAWR</p>
<p id="JW0oOn">...and now I tell you this—just shut up if you are one of those rawr rawr people. I will just assume you are a miserable person and are unable to enjoy when the Vikings are playing really good football because it’s with players you didn’t want to succeed, and you’re going to be shitty because your shitty opinion is wrong. Fine, free country and all, but go be shitty elsewhere, man. Let the rest of us enjoy this.</p>
<p id="lEYjYc">Also, you probably don’t like chocolate, or puppies. Or beer. Which makes you a communist. </p>
<h3 id="ngN1xD">Blue Chip Stocks</h3>
<p id="WBxGoO"><em><strong>Kevin Stefanski, OC:</strong></em> I saw an interesting nugget from <em>St Paul Pioneer Press</em> beat reporter Chris Tomasson earlier in the week, were he stated that the two wins against the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> and <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> were the most productive two game stretch in the Mike Zimmer era. That was pretty impressive, but the Vikings did one better today:</p>
<div id="aUheXL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> offense has racked up 1,440 total yards in past 3 games.<br><br>What is this, 1998?<br><br>No, because as far as I can tell, the historic '98 offense never did that. Their best 3-game stretch was 1,349 yards. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKOL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SKOL</a></p>— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_L_Smith/status/1186049063428526080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="cWMZRh">Yes, over their last three games, the Minnesota Vikings are more productive than the three best consecutive games of the Best Offense In NFL History (at the time). I’m not trying to say that this offense is better than Cunningham, Moss, Carter, <span>Robert Smith</span>, etc., but I am saying that now that this offense has found an identity, they are going to be really, really tough to stop. I would argue that the only team that can stop them now, barring injuries...is themselves. Well, maybe except the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>, in Soldier Field, because yeah whatever that place can eat a rotten Chicago style piece of crappy pizza.</p>
<p id="FQsjJO"><em><strong>The entire offensive line.</strong></em> A big round of applause to the Vikings o-line today. Whatever happened in the Vikes locker room after the Bears game, it happened in spades to these guys. They were getting Cousins killed the first four games, and particularly in Chicago, but since then they’ve really turned it around. Today was hands down their best performance of the season, if not more. Cousins had better pockets than a comfortable pair of Levi’s, and <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> ran wild. Every single guy on the line had a block that made me rewind the DVR at least once, especially <span>Riley Reiff</span> and Garrett Bradbury. Just an exceptional day for everyone. How exceptional, you ask?</p>
<div id="u0dPkz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> have allowed a grand total of three sacks and 16 pressures over the past three games.<br><br>They allowed six sacks and 21 pressures in Week 4 alone.<br><br>The offensive line deserves a TON of credit for the current three-game win streak.</p>— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_j_thompson/status/1186022033156706304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lqQAlu">I know Cousins wasn’t sacked today, and I’m having a hard time remembering when he was pressured. Maybe once, twice tops? He had all afternoon to set up, check Twitter, get a hashtag trending, find a receiver, throw a touchdown, set a record, and wreck the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> season. Pretty impressive day if you ask me.</p>
<p id="BIhQn9"><span><em><strong>Stefon Diggs</strong></em></span><em><strong>, WR:</strong></em> On a day when <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> went out early with a hamstring injury, the Vikings needed a guy to step up. <span>Diggs</span> was an obvious choice, and he rose to the occasion. He didn’t score a touchdown, but did have seven catches for 142 yards, and a 66 yard catch and run late in the fourth quarter that daggered the Lions. And let me pose this question for the group—does Cousins make that throw a month ago? I don’t think he does, and if he does, for whatever reason, I don’t think Diggs makes the catch. Just food for thought.</p>
<p id="woTcFu"><span><em><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB:</strong></em> So I’m having a hard time coming up with superlatives for <span>Cook</span> at this point. Admittedly, it’s a great problem to have, but he is on pace to become the most complete back in the NFL. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20841823/ezekiel-elliott-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Ezekiel Elliott</a> might be a better runner, <span>Alvin Kamara</span> might be a better pass catcher...and someone else is probably better in pass protection. But can you name me a better all around back in the league right now? He runs with the power of <span>Adrian Peterson</span>, catches the ball like Rickey Young, and the Lions were so focused on stopping him they bit harder on play action than a Northern Pike looking at a Five of Diamonds. And when it was all said and done, The Chef still had 142 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Again, <em>with an entire defense focused on stopping him.</em> </p>
<h3 id="GIevBM">Solid Investments</h3>
<p id="VKfhOs"><span><em><strong>Kyle Rudolph</strong></em></span><em><strong> and Irv </strong></em><span><em><strong>Smith</strong></em></span><em><strong>, TE:</strong></em> Smith and Rudolph had combined for 16 catches, 165 yards and no touchdowns in six games. Today, they had 10 catches (five each) for 118 yards, and Rudolph had a TD. Irv and Rudy really opened up the middle of the field and helped fill the void when <span>Thielen</span> went out. </p>
<p id="yxEWnx"><span><em><strong>Olabisi Johnson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, WR:</strong></em> Another guy that really stepped up was Bisi Johnson. He had four catches for 40 yards, and a touchdown on a really nice play design and call down on the goal line that drew the Vikes even with Detroit at 14. It showed a lot of confidence in Johnson to call his number and throw to him in that spot, and it paid off.</p>
<h3 id="fau4NE">Junk Bonds</h3>
<p id="3QxJtt"><em><strong>The Secondary.</strong></em> On one hand, literally everyone in the secondary had a really bad day. On the other hand, the fact that the entire secondary can collectively suck against a really good QB...and you can still win the game? Look, for one week I’ll take it, but it’s obviously not something this team can get away with every week. And honestly, I don’t know that it was one particular thing today. Everyone, even the best players in the game, have a bad day, and with any luck we can say everyone decided to have their bad game all at once. I mean, there were blown assignments, bad coverage, penalties, missed tackles—pretty much everything you shouldn’t do, other than the late interception by <span>Trae Waynes</span>, the Vikings secondary did today. Once is an anomaly. Let’s hope it was only the one time.</p>
<h3 id="EmdekR">Buy/Sell</h3>
<p id="sbawoV"><em><strong>Buy: Olabisi Johnson was very good in place of </strong></em><span><em><strong>Adam Thielen</strong></em></span>. It’s really hard to come in and take over for a guy that’s close to becoming a Vikings icon. But after Thielen went out after his 25 yard touchdown catch, his only catch of the game, Johnson stepped in and played well. he didn’t drop any passes, averaged 10 yards a catch, and had a big touchdown when the game was still in doubt.</p>
<p id="IUtATP"><em><strong>Sell: Johnson is a long term answer to Thielen.</strong></em> Still, Thielen is a big part of this offense, and him out for any extended time is going to be tough for this offense to absorb. WR depth was an issue heading in to the season, and if this turns out to be a serious deal, you could make an argument that the Vikings might want to make a trade before the deadline next week. Still early to hit that panic button, but WR depth may need to be addressed.</p>
<p id="r2DyJn"><em><strong>Buy: Kirk has had three great games in a row.</strong></em> We’ve already documented how good Cousins has been the last three games. It’s flat out undeniable. Unless you work for <em>Pravda</em>, comrade.</p>
<p id="UfINDe"><em><strong>Sell: All the questions surrounding Kirk have been answered.</strong></em> Still, I’m sure it’s not good enough for some people. Like I mentioned in the intro, folks who think this is a fluke will say Kirk and the Vikings haven’t beaten anyone in this three game roll, and will move the goalposts until whatever inane argument they’re making works. There’s still nine games to go, yes, and there’s a lot of football left to be played, but this team is clicking right now, and they’re going to be formidable as we move to the second half of the season. </p>
<p id="qVKfmR"><em><strong>Buy: The Vikings defense had a bad day. </strong></em>The Lions were 6-11 on third down, amassed over 400 yards of offense, and were 4-4 in the red zone. If you look at those numbers in a vacuum, you might think the Vikings not only lost, but lost badly.</p>
<p id="HAjKaE"><em><strong>Sell: The offense couldn’t bail out the defense.</strong></em> But they actually kicked the hell out of the Lions, thanks to the offense. One of the more notable things about the Kirk Cousins era has been when the offense has a good day, it wasn’t quite good enough, as the defense had a particularly awful one and the Vikes would end up losing. Today, the Vikes defense had a really bad day...and the offense picked them up and carried them. Minnesota went down 7-0, 14-7, and then after taking a 21-14 lead, Detroit tied it up at 21. From there, the defense was finally able to get off the field, and the offense took control of the game. Cousins threw for over 300, Cook ran for over 140, the Vikes rolled with over 500 yards of offense and had no trouble doing whatever they wanted.</p>
<p id="6fe5G1"><em><strong>Buy: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Stefon Diggs</strong></em></span><em><strong> saved the season after the Bears game.</strong></em> I am going to go to my grave believing that after Diggs spoke up (and Thielen, for that matter) about his frustrations over the offense, there was a come to Jesus meeting between Vikings ownership/management to the Vikings coaches/players. I don’t know if ownership was involved; maybe a players only meeting, or just the coaches to the players, but something went down. And in the aftermath this team has clicked, and it wasn’t just because of who their competition has been the last three weeks. This is a completely different team than what we saw take the field in Chicago, and I honestly don’t care who said what to whom and whether or not there had to be multiple <a href="https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/430656783096921857/?nic=1">hurt feelings reports</a> filed, I’m just glad this team is living up to their potential right now.</p>
<p id="0ISCTz"><em><strong>Sell: There is no sell. That’s it. Diggs saved the season.</strong></em> Sorry, he did. Bitch all you want about him being selfish, or a whiner, or a prima donna. He’s not, and him speaking up was the catalyst for this turn around. Wait, maybe he is a selfish guy. Let’s check and see:</p>
<div id="711oyE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stefon Diggs’ weekly pregame routine of playing catch with early-arriving fans. <a href="https://t.co/C1uudHdeba">pic.twitter.com/C1uudHdeba</a></p>— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadGraff/status/1185944486716887040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="pbHmcj">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adam Thielen is in the injury tent. Stefon Diggs went in there too to check on Thielen.</p>— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadGraff/status/1185972168489877510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="x5OtKj">“SAM FROM ST LOUIS PARK I THINK DIGGS PLAYING CATCH WITH FANS IS HIS WAY OF SAYING HE WANTS ANYONE THROWING TO HIM BUT COUSINS THANKS I’LL HANG UP AND LISTEN.” —Some rube on talk radio after the game who’s still butthurt about Diggs three weeks ago, probably.</p>
<h3 id="ZX2jmU">Grandson quote of the week</h3>
<p id="IuTPWU">Grandson Gabriel came over to watch part of the game today, and when he got here the Vikings were driving to take the lead against the Lions before halftime. The first play he saw was a <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> catch for a first down, and this was his analysis:</p>
<div id="gFKDGL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grandson Gabriel has arrived. We have grade A analysis the rest of the game folks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skol</a> <a href="https://t.co/XvVNdklhFC">pic.twitter.com/XvVNdklhFC</a></p>— Ted ‘Damn I Wish I Was Your’ Glover (@purplebuckeye) <a href="https://twitter.com/purplebuckeye/status/1185984237805158406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="KURvCa">I may be biased, but he’s better than Joe Buck.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20923536/stock-market-report-lionsTed Glover2019-10-20T15:17:38-05:002019-10-20T15:17:38-05:00Minnesota Vikings 42, Detroit Lions 30: Offense weathers loss of Thielen for big win
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ChPh0HpNZ-3757iSWVIK2FL-OT0=/0x1:4466x2978/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65512007/1177221475.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’ll have to keep an eye on the Vikings’ star receiver</p> <p id="gC4LYz">On Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> had just one reception for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, and they still managed to defeat their division rivals, the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, by two scores.</p>
<p id="QU9N1q">That’s pretty good.</p>
<p id="kbxbqi">Behind four more touchdown passes from <span>Kirk Cousins</span> and another big day from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>, the Vikings overcame a lackluster defensive performance to get their first divisional victory of the year over the Lions by a score of 42-30.</p>
<p id="Sj8DwZ">The Lions got on the board first after the teams exchanged punts on their opening possessions. <span>Matthew Stafford</span> connected with Marvin Jones on a 16-yard score that saw Jones get through a <span>Trae Waynes</span> tackle and get to the end zone. <span>Matt Prater</span> hit the extra point, and the Lions were ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.</p>
<p id="stBEtz">Minnesota quickly answered back, as <span>Kirk Cousins</span> hit <span>Adam Thielen</span> on a brilliant 25-yard touchdown strike on the following drive to make the score 7-7.</p>
<div id="dzqE4l">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adam Thielen TD <a href="https://t.co/FT1nc0lTmo">pic.twitter.com/FT1nc0lTmo</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1185972371313827840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uxBTbF">Detroit wasted no time in taking the lead back, as they got a 3-yard touchdown pass from the same combo, as <span>Stafford</span> found Jones again to give the home team back the lead at 14-7.</p>
<p id="uS3ds1">The Vikings answered on <em>their</em> next drive, but not without some controversy. A pass from Cousins to <span>Olabisi Johnson</span> was flagged for pass interference, and there was a lengthy review as it appeared the Lions intercepted the ball on a deflection. After review, the pass interference call stood, and the Vikings kept the ball at the Detroit 1-yard line. Cousins and Johnson then connected on the rookie’s first career touchdown, and the score was tied again at 14-14.</p>
<div id="TgcWBK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <br><br>Show 'em what you got, <a href="https://twitter.com/BisiJohnson1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BisiJohnson1</a>! <a href="https://t.co/PP0mAJg1ny">pic.twitter.com/PP0mAJg1ny</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1185979587177701377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="UEKcZ8">The Vikings then took the lead on their next possession, finishing off an impressive 15-play, 97-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run from <span>Dalvin Cook</span> to make the score 21-14 after <span>Bailey</span>’s extra point split the uprights.</p>
<div id="MCVFyk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dalvin Cook punches it in, finishing a 97-yard drive <a href="https://t.co/7SmJsEpzWp">pic.twitter.com/7SmJsEpzWp</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1185985056453648384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="QHBj0N">The Lions tied things up just before the half, courtesy of a third connection between <span>Matthew Stafford</span> and Marvin Jones. This one was a 10-yarder, and it sent the game into the locker room at halftime tied at 21-21.</p>
<p id="xckHah">To open the third quarter, Minnesota took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards, ending with another player scoring their first NFL touchdown. This time it was fullback <span>C.J. Ham</span>, who caught a five-yard pass to give the Vikings the lead back at 28-21.</p>
<div id="kcZAaV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk calls him Hammer instead of any food-related nicknames so there you go it's a Hammer in the flat for a TD <a href="https://t.co/QPhJjk352d">pic.twitter.com/QPhJjk352d</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1185995774053769216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lICKfX">Detroit cut into the lead near the end of the third quarter, as <span>Matt Prater</span> connected on a 46-yard field goal attempt to make the score 28-24 with a little more than three minutes remaining in the quarter.</p>
<p id="8nDZVT">The Vikings had an opportunity to extend the lead back to seven, but <span>Dan Bailey</span> missed a 45-yard attempt wide left early in the fourth quarter to keep the score at 28-24. After turning the Lions over on downs after the missed field goal, the Vikings marched to the end zone again, this time getting a 15-yard pass from Cousins to <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> to extend the lead to 35-24.</p>
<p id="u7JwLV">The <span>Stafford</span>-to-Jones connection struck again late in the fourth quarter, as they got together for the fourth time on the afternoon, this one from two yards out. The Lions went for the two-point conversion and were unsuccessful, making the score 35-30 with just over three minutes remaining.</p>
<p id="f4X69z">The Vikings could have played it conservative at that point, but Kevin Stefanski had other ideas.</p>
<div id="9QdtHe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Late in the game, you gotta... DIGGS DEEP! <a href="https://t.co/ya7ag9D4mJ">pic.twitter.com/ya7ag9D4mJ</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1186010795181654016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="1VbyEw">That set up <span>Dalvin Cook</span>’s second touchdown of the afternoon, as he took it in from four yards out just after the two-minute warning. That made it 42-30 with just under two minutes remaining.</p>
<div id="WveFc4">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cook might have more yards after contact today than total yards<br><br>Anyway, here's the Vikings sixth touchdown of the day <a href="https://t.co/hEo1ZTFXRP">pic.twitter.com/hEo1ZTFXRP</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1186011678078656513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="VuJHF7">The Lions tried to get some points on the board at the end of the game, but Stafford’s desperation heave at the end was intercepted by <span>Trae Waynes</span> to ice the game for the Vikings.</p>
<p id="wXYzpE">For the third week in a row, Kirk Cousins may have played his best game of the season. He completed 24-of-34 passes for 337 yards and four more touchdown passes. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> was the big yardage recipient of the big day, as he caught seven passes for 142 yards. Cousins’ four touchdown passes went to four different receivers. . .<span>Adam Thielen</span> (his only catch of the day), Olabisi Johnson, <span>C.J. Ham</span>, and <span>Kyle Rudolph</span>.</p>
<p id="2r2wgO">As for Dalvin Cook, just another ho-hum day for one of the best running backs in the NFL. He carried the ball 25 times for 142 yards and a pair of scores on the afternoon.</p>
<p id="x0sKLj">The Vikings move their record to 5-2, and they’ll have a short turnaround as they host the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> on Thursday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium this week. The Lions fall to 2-3-1, and they will host the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> next Sunday.</p>
<p id="fNq8Qb">The Minnesota Vikings win their third consecutive game, besting the Detroit Lions at Ford Field by a final score of 42-30. Thank you to everyone that got their coverage of this week’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20923037/minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-final-score-game-recapChristopher Gates2019-10-20T14:30:05-05:002019-10-20T14:30:05-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions: Third quarter recap and fourth quarter discussion
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/58oGnsYotSIgwwkRRj1T7TDbwl4=/0x0:4708x3139/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65511721/1177215067.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Vikings lead heading into the final stanza</p> <p id="se3PqK">We’ve put three quarters in the books at Ford Field, and your <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> lead the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> by a score of 28-24.</p>
<p id="BBlJge">The Vikings took the second half kickoff and marched down the field, moving 75 yards in 12 plays, capping things off with another player’s first NFL touchdown reception. <span>Olabisi Johnson</span> got his first NFL score in the second quarter, and Cousins found <span>C.J. Ham</span> for <em>his</em> first NFL receiving score, a five-yard reception to give Minnesota back the lead at 28-21.</p>
<div id="SI6IEk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk calls him Hammer instead of any food-related nicknames so there you go it's a Hammer in the flat for a TD <a href="https://t.co/QPhJjk352d">pic.twitter.com/QPhJjk352d</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1185995774053769216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7T30zU">The Lions’ offense started with a three-and-out, giving the Vikings the ball back in rapid fashion. Unfortunately, the Vikings responded with their first three-and-out of the day. Detroit scored on their next possession, as <span>Matt Prater</span> connected on a 46-yard field goal attempt to cut the Minnesota lead to 28-24.</p>
<p id="XtjnLP">As we move to the fourth quarter, the Vikings are back into Detroit territory at the 46-yard line, looking at a 1st-and-10.</p>
<p id="DKBrGc">Fifteen minutes remaining in this one, folks, and the good guys lead by four points at 28-24. Can they hold on and push their winning streak to three?</p>
<div id="jZlevu"><center>
<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="400" data-height="600" data-link-color="#981CEB" href="https://twitter.com/DailyNorseman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Tweets by DailyNorseman</a> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</center></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20923035/minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-third-quarter-recap-fourth-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2019-10-20T13:57:18-05:002019-10-20T13:57:18-05:00UPDATED: Adam Thielen injured on touchdown catch against Detroit Lions
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KB0XlD04GKyfz4w8-pGSyhmesEk=/0x629:2475x2279/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65511237/1181910801.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He landed hard on the tying score</p> <p id="zN5Sr6"><em><strong>UPDATE #2</strong></em>: Thielen has officially be downgraded to OUT for the remainder of today’s game.</p>
<div id="AM1HxM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thielen downgraded to OUT for the remainder of the game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsDET?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsDET</a></p>— Vikings PR (@VikingsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/VikingsPR/status/1185993041762570246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="I0J4GW">
<p id="mZfNcF"><em><strong>UPDATE</strong></em>: It’s a hamstring injury for Thielen, and his return is questionable.</p>
<div id="82jBcg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> Injury Update: WR Adam Thielen has a hamstring injury and his return is questionable. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsDET?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsDET</a></p>— Vikings PR (@VikingsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/VikingsPR/status/1185974206980378624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="adHlxk">
<p id="8Qqpap">In the first quarter of the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>’ NFC North battle against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> made one of his usual <span>Adam Thielen</span> plays, but it might end up being a costly one.</p>
<p id="H5wYsH"><span>Kirk Cousins</span> connected with Thielen on an outstanding 25-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 against the Vikings’ NFC North rivals, but Thielen appeared to land very hard and needed assistance to get off the field.</p>
<div id="hhpywW">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adam Thielen TD <a href="https://t.co/FT1nc0lTmo">pic.twitter.com/FT1nc0lTmo</a></p>— Arif Hasan, but spooky (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1185972371313827840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="94hd4T">There hasn’t been any word on what happened to Thielen, but he went into the sideline medical tent and came out without his helmet. He appears to be moving around on the sideline without an issue and talking with teammates, which is a positive sign.</p>
<p id="nMr9s5">Once we get word on what happened to Thielen, we will pass it along to you.</p>
<p id="C08oj2">Again, Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver <span>Adam Thielen</span> has suffered an undisclosed injury on a touchdown catch against the Detroit Lions. We are awaiting word on his condition.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/10/20/20923551/adam-thielen-injured-touchdown-catch-against-detroit-lions-minnesota-vikingsChristopher Gates